Foreign-trained physicians seeking to practice medicine in Vietnam face a structured but navigable regulatory pathway. For US-trained doctors, credential recognition is the critical first step before any clinical work can begin. Under Vietnam’s Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 (effective January 1, 2024), its implementing Decree No. 96/2023/ND-CP, and Resolution 21/2026/NQ-CP, US medical license is not automatically valid in Vietnam—it must go through a formal recognition process administered by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
This guide explains every stage of US doctor credential recognition in Vietnam, from document preparation to the final issuance of a Vietnamese medical practice license.
Why US Medical Credentials Are Not Automatically Valid in Vietnam
Vietnam does not have a bilateral treaty with the United States providing for automatic mutual recognition of medical licenses. This means that even if you hold a valid license from a US state medical board, you cannot legally practice medicine in Vietnam until your credentials are formally recognized by the Vietnamese MOH under Article 29 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023.
The recognition process involves two distinct steps: (1) recognition of the foreign-issued license itself, and (2) issuance of a new Vietnamese medical practice license. Both steps must be completed sequentially before clinical practice is lawful.
Eligibility Requirements for US Doctors
Under Article 29 of the 2023 Law and Articles 13–14 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP, a US doctor applying for credential recognition in Vietnam must meet the following baseline conditions:
- The US medical license must be currently valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked);
- The license must correspond to a professional title recognized under Vietnamese law (e.g., doctor, physician assistants, nurse, midwive, medical technicians, clinical nutritionist, clinical psychologist);
- The applicant must either be a Vietnamese citizen, or is working at a health facility in Vietnam or has been granted a work permit;
The license must also have been issued by an authority that either participates in an international treaty with Vietnam or has been assessed and recognized by the Vietnamese MOH. Since the United States is not party to such a treaty with Vietnam, the issuing state medical board must be formally assessed by the MOH—a process that may add time to the overall timeline.
Step-by-Step Credential Recognition Process
The recognition procedure under Decree 96/2023/ND-CP and Article 7 of Decree 148/2025/ND-CP proceeds as follows:
Step 1 – Document Preparation: Gather certified copies of your US medical license, diploma, criminal record check (issued within six months), health certificate, CV, passport, and (if applicable) your Vietnamese work permit or employment contract.
Step 2 – Legalization and Translation: All foreign-issued documents must be consularly legalized (apostilled) and translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator.
Step 3 – Submission to MOH: Submit one complete dossier to the Department of Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health in Hanoi.
Step 4 – MOH Review: If your issuing authority has already been recognized by the MOH, the review takes 30 working days. If not yet recognized, the MOH must first assess the US state board, which may extend the timeline significantly.
Step 5 – Issuance of Recognition Decision: Upon approval, the MOH issues a formal recognition decision.
Step 6 – Apply for Vietnamese License: Using the recognition decision, the doctor applies to the relevant provincial Department of Health for a Vietnamese medical practice license (Giay phep hanh nghe).
Documents Required for US Doctors
The complete dossier for credential recognition includes:
- Application form (Form No. 08 per Decree 96/2023/ND-CP);
- Certified copy of the US medical license (apostilled);
- Medical degree/diploma (apostilled and translated);
- Criminal background check from a US authority (within 6 months of application);
- Health certificate;
- Curriculum vitae;
- Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm);
- Valid passport copy;
- Work permit or employment contract (if applicable);
- Proof of Vietnamese language proficiency or interpreter documentation.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
US doctors frequently encounter delays due to: (1) documents that are not apostilled or notarized correctly; (2) missing the step of having the US state medical board assessed by the Vietnamese MOH; and (3) incomplete Vietnamese translations. Working with a Vietnamese legal firm experienced in healthcare law—such as TTVN Legal—helps ensure the dossier is complete and properly formatted on first submission, avoiding costly re-submissions.
Additionally, US doctors should be aware that Vietnam requires proof of Vietnamese language proficiency or a qualified interpreter for clinical practice. This must be documented as part of the licensing dossier.
After Recognition: The Vietnamese License Application
Once credential recognition is secured, the doctor applies for a Vietnamese medical practice license under Article 30.2 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Appendix III of the Resolution 21/2026/NQ-CP. The application is submitted to the provincial Department of Health in the province where the doctor intends to practice. Processing takes 20 working days from the date of receiving the results of the verification of documents containing foreign elements. The resulting license specifies the doctor’s professional title, scope of practice, and the facility at which they are registered to practice.
Conclusion
US doctor credential recognition in Vietnam is a two-stage legal process governed by the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, Decree 96/2023/ND-CP and Resolution 21/2026/NQ-CP. While the pathway is well-defined, practical challenges around document preparation, MOH authority assessment, and language requirements can cause delays for unprepared applicants. TTVN Legal provides end-to-end support for foreign physicians navigating this process in Vietnam.
Need legal assistance with medical licensing in Vietnam? Contact TTVN Legal today. 101 Nguyen Van Thu, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City | +84 349661336 | tham@ttvnlegal.com.vn | https://ttvnlegal.com.vn/
